How to Train a Dog Not to Jump – Everything You Need to Know!

Learning how to train a dog not to jump is important when you get a new pup. After all, no one wants a dog jumping all over them. Find out everything you need to know.

Behavior Guide: How to Train a Dog Not to Jump

No matter what the situation you’re in, there is a basic strategy to stopping your dog from jumping up at you or those around you.

The idea is to immediately shut down whatever outcome they are trying to cause with the jumping. That means disengaging – not pushing away or using force – and getting your dog further from their goal than they started.

Here is how that idea plays out in these common situations:

1. If Your Dog Jumps to Greet You

If you open the door and are met with a jumping dog, don’t come inside and don’t push your pup away. Just immediately close the door and wait about 30 seconds to open it again.

Repeat this process if your pup continues to jump up to greet you upon entrance and give a verbal cue of disappointment such as “no ” or “too bad.” Finally, when you are greeted with all four paws on the ground, you should come in and greet your dog.

2. If Your Dog Jumps up to Get a Toy or Food

If your dog jumps up in attempt to get a toy or piece of food from you, you should react in much the same way.

Instead of pushing away, simply turn around and disengage. Make sure you take away whatever object of desire your dog is going for so they’re not able to get to it.

Turn back around in a little while when your dog has calmed down and continue whatever you were doing. If your dog tries to jump up at you again, you can walk away and go to another room, shutting the door.

Come back and try again when your dog has mellowed out. Only present them with the toy or food when they are fully on the ground, whether it’s standing, sitting or laying down.

3. If Your Dog Jumps up to Greet a Guest

If you have a guest coming over, ask them in advance to help you in training your dog not to jump. Have them open the door, let themselves in and stand still while you approach with your dog on the leash.

Have your dog sit some distance away from your guest and ask your them to start approaching. Tell that person to stop any time your dog gets too excited and stands up.

From there, ask your dog to sit once again, and then let your visitor continue to approach.

Let your dog and your guest have a greeting when they reach one another, but only with all four paws on the ground.

4. If Your Dog Jumps up to Meet a Stranger

If you are out and about and happen to meet someone your dog wants to meet, you can ask that person to help you train your dog on proper greetings. Have the person stand still while you walk your dog towards them on a leash.

If your dog gets excited, bouncy or shows signs of wanting to jump, immediately stop and wait for your pup to settle down and sit.

When that happens, you can continue to approach your new acquaintance but only in a calm manner. Repeat the steps as many times as you need until you reach the person and are able to have a greeting with all four paws on the ground.

Why Dogs Like to Jump

Whenever your pup jumps up at you, whether it is to greet you after a long day away, to get to a favorite toy or to get at a snack you are holding, it’s because they think the jump will get them something they desire.

They want to get to you or the snack or toy, so they jump to get it. If you don’t immediately challenge and de-incentivize this behavior, they’re getting exactly what they wanted out of the jump.

This reinforces the behavior and makes them more likely to repeat it in the future.

With that in mind, it’s actually your reaction to your dog’s jumping that’s feeding the behavior and will have to be the first thing to change if you want to see a difference in your dog.

Final Thoughts on How to Train a Dog Not to Jump

When learning how to train a dog not to jump, it’s important to stay patient and refrain from using force or any form of punishment if your dog doesn’t perform to your expectations.

Just stay consistent and focus on taking away your dog’s incentive for jumping, whether it’s on you or other people.

Doing this important training will nip this problematic behavior in the bud and help prevent any potential accidents down the road. For most dogs, jumping on people can cause scratches and bruises, but a large dog jumping up at a child or an elderly person can become a more serious problem.

Stick to these strategies consistently and you’ll see a long-term change in your dog’s behavior.

Watch a Training Video

As you work on how to train a dog not to jump, sometimes it helps to see the process in real life.

Fortunately for us, dog trainer Zak George has put together a video on the topic. It’s another great resource on how to train a dog not to jump.

We love George’s positive, fun and informational training style. If you’re looking for additional support for your dog, his YouTube channel has plenty of great advice.

Jessi Larson

Jessi is a marketing strategist who loves to write about all things dog. She is the proud mom to Toby, a giant Labrador Retriever who thinks he’s a lapdog. He inspires her to be a better pet parent and to share advice with other dog owners.